Quick Answer by Weight
| Your Drone Weighs | Registration? | Pilot Cert? | Label? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under 250g | Generally no | Generally no | Generally no |
| 250g to 25kg | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Over 25kg | SFOC required | Yes | Yes |
Important: If your drone weighs under 250g but accessories push the total weight to 250g or more at takeoff, it falls into the registration-required category.
Drones Under 250 Grams
If your drone weighs less than 250 grams (DJI Mini 4 Pro, DJI Mini 3, Autel EVO Nano series in base configuration), Transport Canada generally does not require you to register, hold a pilot certificate, or display a registration number.
However, you must still fly safely — no flying near airports, in restricted airspace, or in a way that puts people or aircraft at risk. Provincial and municipal bylaws may add restrictions.
The weight trap: Adding prop guards, extended batteries, a payload, or accessories can push a sub-250g drone over 250g. If it weighs 250g+ at takeoff, all registration rules apply.
Drones 250g to 25kg — Registration Required
This is where most consumer and commercial drones fall. What you need to do:
Register your drone
Free, online through the Transport Canada Drone Management Portal. Each drone gets its own registration number.
Get a pilot certificate
Basic (uncontrolled airspace) or Advanced (controlled airspace). Pass a knowledge exam. Can be printed or kept electronically — no plastic card required.
Mark your drone
Display the registration number on the exterior, visible without disassembly, clearly legible. A durable vinyl label is the most practical method.
Drone Registration Labels
From $14.99 CAD — Ships 1-2 business days
Drones Over 25 Kilograms
Drones over 25kg require a Special Flight Operations Certificate (SFOC). These are typically large commercial platforms. Contact Transport Canada directly for SFOC requirements. We can produce custom registration marking for large RPAS — contact us.
Do I Need to Register This Drone?
| Model | Weight | Registration? | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| DJI Mini 4 Pro | 249g | No* | Prop guards push it over |
| DJI Mini 3 | 248g | No* | |
| Autel EVO Nano+ | 249g | No* | Accessories can push over |
| DJI Mavic 3 | 895g | Yes | |
| DJI Air 3 | 720g | Yes | |
| Autel EVO II Pro | 1191g | Yes | |
| DJI Avata 2 | 377g | Yes | |
| 5″ FPV Build | 500–800g | Yes | |
| DJI Matrice 30 | 3770g | Yes |
*Under 250g in base configuration — registration not required unless accessories push weight to 250g+. Weights are approximate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is drone registration free in Canada?
Yes. Registering your drone with Transport Canada is free. You do it online through the Drone Management Portal.
Do I need a plastic pilot certificate card?
No. Transport Canada accepts printed or electronic proof of your pilot certificate. A physical plastic card is not required.
What happens if I fly an unregistered drone?
Transport Canada can fine recreational operators up to $5,000 and commercial operators up to $25,000 for flying without proper registration and marking.
Can I register multiple drones under one account?
Yes. Each drone gets its own registration number, but you can manage them all under one Transport Canada account.
My drone is exactly 250 grams — does it need registration?
Yes. Transport Canada's threshold is "at least 250 grams." A drone weighing exactly 250 grams requires registration.
Ready to label your drone?
Durable vinyl labels sized for your drone model. Ships 1–2 business days.
Order Registration Labels — From $14.99Regulations last verified: April 2026
Sources: Transport Canada — Registering Your Drone
Checked quarterly against latest Transport Canada and MTO updates.
This guide is provided for general information. Compliance Lettering is not affiliated with Transport Canada. For official rules, visit Transport Canada's drone safety page.